Refrigerator and method for controlling refrigerator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators lack the ability to easily change the outer appearance of the door without replacing the entire decor panel and do not provide effective control over the operation of light-emitting members, making it difficult to manage food storage and display information efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a display door featuring light sources, a controller, and cameras that allow for the display of information, location tracking, and color changes based on food expiration dates and location, enabling users to manage food storage and display information intuitively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire decor panel is removed and replaced to change the outer appearance, then the outer appearance can be changed, but the replaced decor panel cannot be used anymore and the process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The door is divided into multiple sections with light sources arranged in different configurations (lower edge-type, side edge-type, lower and side edge-type, and direct-type structures). Each section can be independently controlled to emit different colors, allowing the outer appearance to be changed without replacing the entire panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light sources (LEDs capable of exhibiting RGB colors) to change the color parameter of the door front surface. By controlling the emission color of different light sources, the outer appearance can be dynamically changed without physical replacement of components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light emitting members are added to enable color changes, then the outer appearance can be dynamically changed, but the control operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically controls the light sources based on pre-set conditions and scenarios. The controller manages the complex operations of multiple light sources without requiring manual intervention, making the system easy to use while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sources serve multiple functions: they can be arranged in different configurations to create various lighting patterns, emit different colors for aesthetic purposes, and potentially indicate different states or information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are arranged in different configurations, then the design flexibility increases, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different light sources are arranged in specific locations (lower edge, side edge, or direct-type) according to the desired lighting effect and door design requirements. Each location has its own light source configuration optimized for that specific area, allowing flexible design without uniformly complicating the entire door structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances food management by allowing users to easily check and manage the location and state of food, optimize storage space, and receive alerts for expired or improperly stored items, improving food freshness and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the light sources irradiate light to the light guide plate, and light irradiated to the light guide plate passes through the front plate
Implementation Method 2
The light sources are LEDs capable of exhibiting RGB colors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a refrigerator including a cabinet for defining at least one space therein, a display door for opening and closing the space, wherein the display door has a display panel for outputting content, each of a first door, a second, and a third door for opening and closing the space and having light sources, and a controller that controls the display panel and the light sources, wherein each of the first door, the second door, and the third door includes a front plate and a light guide plate for guiding light to the front plate, wherein the light sources irradiate light to the light guide plate, and light irradiated to the light guide plate passes through the front plate, wherein when the light sources are turned on, the front plate emits light in a first color.